Andrew Wood B.A.(Hons), PGDip A.Th., M.Sc., M.St (Oxon), HCPC, UKCP

About me

I am a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist and my Wimpole Street practice provides a safe and confidential space where confusing or distressing thoughts, feelings and patterns of relating can be explored and made sense of in a way that enables insight and change.The psychodynamic approach examines the extent to which our present is influenced by our past. Often unhelpful patterns of relating and behaving, that have their origin in our early experiences, continue to exert a negative influence on the way we live, feel and relate, now. It is only by becoming aware of these unconscious influences that we can develop the ability to change and live more satisfying and rewarding lives, rather than endlessly repeating old conflicts and traumas.

I am registered with the Health Professions Council and the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy, as well as being a full member of The British Association of Art Therapists, The Universities Psychotherapy and Counselling Association and The College of Psychoanalysts. I have Masters Degrees in both Applications of Psychology and Psychodynamic Practice, this last from Oxford University. Attachment theory represents a particular interest and I have undertaken research in this area. I have been trained in the use of the Attachment Style Interview (ASI) developed by Professor Bifulco, and EMDR (recommended by NICE as the treatment of choice for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). I have been a qualified and registered therapist for over 25 years. I adhere to the UKCP code of ethics.

Psychotherapy sessions last for 50 minutes and are usually held weekly.

There are a whole range of events that may be experienced as traumatic, the most extreme of which may lead to the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Those who have suffered from abuse, violence, torture, near fatal accidents, witnessed serious injury or death may, in some cases, go on to experience ‘flash backs’, intrusive thoughts / memories about the event, sleep disturbance, nightmares, irritability, mood swings, dissociation etc. They may take elaborate steps to avoid reminders of the incident and some may turn to drug and alcohol abuse in order to manage their distress.

EMDR is an acronym for 'Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing'. EMDR is a powerful psychological treatment method that was developed by an American clinical psychologist, Dr Francine Shapiro, in the 1980s. As a Senior Research Fellow at the Mental Research Institute, she published the first research data to support the benefits of the therapy in 1989.

Since then a wealth of research has been conducted demonstrating its benefits in treating psychological trauma arising from experiences as diverse as war related experiences, childhood sexual and/or physical abuse or neglect, natural disaster, assault, surgical trauma, road traffic accidents and workplace accidents. Since its original development, EMDR is also increasingly used to help individuals with other issues and performance anxiety. EMDR has been found to be of benefit to children as well as adults.

EMDR is recommended by The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence as a treatment of choice in relation to psychological trauma.

I am a fully trained EMDR Practitioner.

SATURDAY CLINIC

I offer a Saturday Clinic for busy London Professionals

Training, qualifications & experience

Qualifications -

B.A. (Hons) Art / Education 1984

Post Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy 1986

M.Sc Psychology 1994

M.St Psychodynamic Practice (Oxon) 2008

Professional Bodies -

British Association of Art Therapists

Health Professions Council

Universities Psychotherapy and Counselling Association

United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy

College of Psychoanalysts UK

EMDR UK& Ireland

Additional Training -

Attachment Style Interview

EMDR Level I

EMDR Level II

EMDR Level III

EMDR Child and Adolescent Level I

EMDR Child and Adolescent Level II

I have been working as a therapist for over 25 years as well as occupying roles up to Director level. I am currently Head of Clinical Services for an independent child care organisation.

Other areas of counselling I deal with

The City has always been a high stress environment, and there is a general sense that things are getting worse.

‘There is growing evidence that a mental health crisis is emerging in this heartland (The City) that mirrors the economic one’ ( ‘stress in The City’,Chapman, L. ‘Therapy Today’ 2012)

‘Mental ill health in The City is a significant problem, and a growing one’ (Chapman 2012)

A growing number of employees in the UK financial and insurance services are reporting stress, depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, risky sexual behavior, eating disorders and a sense of depersonalistion in an environment that has been described as ‘psychologically toxic’.

However, in The City, admitting to a mental health problem is taboo.

‘ There appears to be a complete disregard in the City environment for the wider human and social consequences of working there; it’s impact on traders, bankers, hedge fund managers and other financial workers’

It is a fiercely competitive world, made more so by the recent financial climate.

‘The city is a psychological disaster waiting to happen; indeed there are strong indications that such a disaster is already happening.’

I am well aware of the pressures existing in this winner / loser culture. My Wimpole Street practice represents a safe and discrete haven where help and non-judgmental support can be reliably found.